Chapter 38: Aren't We the Pair?

February 15, 1984, Chicago, Illinois

"Are you OK?" Bianca asked at breakfast on Wednesday morning.

"Yes. I just needed some time alone last night to remember Keiko and order my thoughts."

Jack came into the kitchen just then and unsurprisingly asked the exact same question, and I gave the exact same answer. When we all had finished breakfast, we headed to work.

"I was playing more with the Macintosh," Bianca said not long after we'd left the house. "It has two killer programs — MacWrite, which is a word processor, and MacPaint, which is a drawing program. I think we could do some interesting things with our analyst reports, including graphs and other things we can't do with the current setup."

"But everyone would have to have a Macintosh then, right?"

"I think there might be a way to transfer files from the IBM PC to the Macintosh, but I'll have to look into it. There is no Novell client or card for the Macintosh, so that's off the table. If there is a way, then you would just need one Macintosh for someone to put everything together, print it, and photocopy it for everyone."

"Look into it with Tony, but don't spend a lot of time on it right now. Forecasting and analysis are far more important, and everyone is used to reading the text. I like the idea, but we don't want to slow down on the programming you and Steve are doing. That's already showing good results with analysis, though it's more limited than I'd hoped."

"That's a problem with both VisiCalc and a new program that Steve Smith is championing, Lotus 1-2-3, and the PC/XT systems. IBM is releasing a faster system, though DOS has significant memory limitations."

"Are you suggesting we switch spreadsheet programs?" I asked.

"Not yet, but Lotus 1-2-3 is gaining serious market share. Steve expects it to displace VisiCalc."

"OK. Sorry I interrupted."

"It's OK. Anyway, the Sun-1 workstation that Steve and I share would be too expensive to put on half the desks and have analysts share. Fundamentally, we need advances in speed and increases in memory to do what you want. It'll take time, but it will happen. Sun has a new system out, the Sun-2, which is faster and could support more users, but we're not ready for that."

"I trust you, Steve, and Tony to advise me in that regard."

"If you're done with that topic," Jack said, "I have a practical question not related to work."

"Ask away!"

"Are you taking all the furniture with you to the new place?"

That was something I hadn't considered, and I knew Jack and Kristy would have a tough time filling the house with furniture. Closing the deal with MTB Sports Management meant I'd have an additional $6,000, before taxes, and what I would give to Jack for the idea, over and above the approximately $25,000 I'd otherwise receive in my quarterly check. I could easily furnish the new place with no difficulty.

"I actually hadn't thought about that," I said. "This isn't like with the previous move where we had a deadline to be out. Deanna will stay until her new studio is ready, which means likely sometime in April, depending on the permits. Fortunately, what we're doing is minor, except for electrical, so the permits are easier to get. As for the rest of us, probably in stages.

"As I think about it, I'll probably buy new stuff for the condo, except for the Japanese room – all of that will move to the new Japanese room. That means we'll probably all be here until late April, so I can use my quarterly check for new furniture. The only consideration is what Bianca does, given the baby is due in early April."

"Jack, do you think you and Kristy could hack a baby in the house for two weeks?"

"I think we could manage," he replied.

"Then I think the smart move is to stay at the house," Bianca said. "The nursery is ready, and I'm not going to be in any shape to want to move in March! May I make a suggestion?"

"Sure."

"Ask Rich if he has any contacts in Japan who could procure «tatami» mats for the Japanese room. You can certainly afford it, and that would basically finish the room in that style."

"I suspect Keiko's grandfather has some friends who either are in Japan or know someone in Japan. I'll call him today. If that doesn't pan out, I'll ask Rich."

"You should also consider a futon to replace the couch. That's more appropriate to the style and would give us one additional bed if we needed it. Well, unless that would somehow be inappropriate."

"I don't think so," I replied. "The urn with Keiko's ashes will go in my room, so it's away from the «kamidana» to avoid giving offense to Keiko's family, should they visit."

"Who all was there yesterday?"

"All her relatives who were at the funeral, including the ones from California. It was a simple ceremony – the same prayer from the funeral, incense, and a small fire in a brazier. The usual thing to do when you visit is pour water on the stele with the person's name, clap your hands, and burn incense."

"Clap your hands?" Jack asked.

"To get the attention of the «kami», or so the story goes. I did it because it was traditional, not because Keiko or I believed «kami» are real, like ghosts or spirits."

"How often are you supposed to visit?"

"There are varying traditions, and I'm going to go with the American one of visiting on December 27th each year. Her parents and grandparents will follow whichever Japanese tradition is followed by their extended families."

"Are you going to keep in touch with them?" Bianca asked.

"I'd like to stay in touch with her grandfather. He and I connected on a level I haven't connected with any male in my life."

"A father figure?"

"Or grandfather, but yeah. You know my situation growing up, and what I have with him is something I missed growing up. Weirdly, I didn't miss it until I met him."

"How could you? You worked for men, had a few male teachers, and Bev's dad, I guess. Your role model, if you will, was your mom. Not having a strong male presence in your life doesn't seem to have harmed you in any way."

"I suppose not, though I don't have any experience with being a dad or relating to a dad."

"If you treat our daughter the way you treat everyone else, she'll be just fine," Bianca said. "I'll be curious to see how you respond to the first boy she brings home."

I chuckled, "What I've heard called the true test of any man's life!"

We arrived at the Hancock Center, parked, and then headed up to the Spurgeon offices. The morning was routine, and just before lunch, I received some good news — Deanna's lease application and been approved and would begin on March 1st.

I ate lunch with Bianca, went to the gym, and mid-afternoon, I placed a call to Ichirō to ask about the Japanese flooring. He asked for the room dimensions and promised to check into it for me, as well as locate someone in the Chicagoland area who could install it properly.

"Would you join us for dinner on Sunday?" Ichirō inquired.

"I'd be honored," I replied.

We agreed on the time, I thanked him again for his help, and we ended the call. About ninety minutes later, I left the office to meet Deanna at Star of Siam for dinner.

"Your lease application was approved and starts March 1st."

"AWESOME!" she exclaimed. "I spoke to your friend at Brown Construction, and there is no way to avoid using a licensed electrician."

"I was sure that was the case. We can do everything else, right?"

"Yes. Laying tile, painting, and so on aren't things that need permits. We're not touching the plumbing or any structural walls, so we don't have to worry about bringing anything up to code."

"What isn't to code?"

"The bathroom. There's no way to get in there with a wheelchair, and given where it's located, I can't see how it could be fixed without major reconstruction. I don't intend for it to be for public use, anyway, so it's not a big deal. It would just be me or any artists who worked at the studio. I did come up with a name."

"What's that?"

"Ateljé D, for my first initial. I'll paint it on the front window from the inside so we don't have to spend money on a sign. I plan to leave the kitchen door that swings in and out in place to separate the gallery from the studio."

"It's your space! What's the plan for this weekend?"

"I need you with me at the opening on Friday evening."

"Same schtick as Evanston?"

"I actually was thinking of changing styles. I found a dress at a second-hand shop that is perfect!"

"You?! In a dress?!"

Deanna laughed, "I am NOT going to be Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm or a 1950s housewife! It's black, form-fitting, and has slits and other openings, all tasteful, of course. I'll pull my hair back and not wear any makeup except a bit of eyeliner. It'll have a very avant-garde look."

"And me?"

"One of your suits, of course, but I want you to get purple suspenders and a purple tie. It'll make you look edgy and chic while still being my conservative patron. Can your friend Beth help with that?"

"I'm sure she can. I'll call her first thing tomorrow. Speaking of style, I'm going to purchase all new furniture for the condo. I'd like you to design a look or create a theme if that's something you could do."

"I can, but I'll get some help from my friend Natasha, who is studying interior design. She'd want to photograph it for her portfolio."

"That works for me."

"Excellent!"

When we finished our meal, we headed to the Art Institute, and I pulled Alexa aside.

"I just want to make sure you're OK with my hands on your bare stomach."

Alexa laughed, "You clearly didn't look over ALL the poses! There's one where you cup my bare boobs from behind!"

"OK, then," I replied in amusement. "I just want to make sure before I touch someone that way."

"I appreciate it. It is kind of intimate."

"Kind of?"

"There are more intimate places to touch, but Claire isn't going to push things that far! As liberal as the school is, anything that comes close to pornography is off-limits."

"I thought the First Amendment protected pornography."

"It does, but the School of the Art Institute is a private organization, and they can make whatever rules they want. Tasteful nudes are fine, but Hustler-style beaver shots are not!"

"I know about Larry Flynt because he got into it with a prosecutor in Cincinnati, but I don't know what you mean."

"Playboy shows pubic hair but is very careful to have the models keep their legs together or keep the angle of the photograph such that it's not too explicit. Hustler will have a girl with her legs spread wide and sometimes even using her fingers to spread her labia. The first would be OK here, but the second wouldn't. All our poses will be more like Playboy, Playgirl, or Cosmo, though Burt Reynolds didn't show his equipment in that nude shot."

"Nude shot?"

"Cosmopolitan had tasteful nudes; basically centerfolds without genitals on display. Burt Reynolds was gorgeous! I had all kinds of fantasies about him!"

"Jonathan?" Claire said from behind me. "I changed my mind for tonight. Keep your suit on, but Alexa will have her shirt off. I want to play with the power dynamic."

I actually had experienced that with Jeri, and it was an intriguing concept. In a way, it was similar to what Deanna was portraying at her shows, though in that case, the power dynamic was muddled and could be seen either way — the rich, powerful patron and the poor, starving, disaffected artist; or the desirable, sexy, talented artist who controlled her patron with a combination of art and sex.

"OK," I replied.

"Next week, we'll do the same thing both days, so don't change out of your suit."

"Got it," I said.

Alexa went into the office, and I went to the studio. A minute later, Alexa came in wearing a thin robe. Claire moved us into the pose with me standing slightly left of Alexa. Alexa removed her robe, and Claire positioned my hands-on Alexa's stomach.

"Strong, warm hands," Alexa said quietly.

"Soft skin and a firm, toned stomach," I replied.

When the session ended, Deanna and I headed home together.

"Will you pose for me?" she asked.

"I'm curious what an abstract image of me would look like!"

Deanna laughed, "That would be interesting, but my portfolio for my painting class requires multiple styles. This one would be 'realism', so as accurate as possible. The other one can be in any style, and I wondered if you and Bianca would pose, specifically before she gives birth?"

"Nudes?"

"Of you? I could, but I was actually thinking of you in the Japanese room, standing in front of the Spirit Shelf. But the one with Bianca would be awesome if it were a nude, with you behind her, her hands on her baby belly, and your hands on top of hers."

"If Bianca is game, I'm game. When the time comes, I want to buy both of those for my private collection."

"Yes, of course! I prefer to keep my public art abstract. Maybe I'll do something else at some point."

"You're displaying the four paintings for my office at the show, right?"

"Yes. Lizbeth wasn't happy about that because she won't earn any commissions. But there are two I have that are for sale, so it'll work out. How are you doing after yesterday?"

"OK. Just give me a bit of time. I haven't forgotten the raincheck!"

February 16, 1984, Chicago, Illinois

Thursday was a routine day at work, and nothing major happened in the world. At lunch, I'd met Beth at the tailor shop, and she'd picked out a bold purple tie, but went a shade lighter for the suspenders. I paid for them, we agreed to have lunch the following week, and I returned to the office.

I was a bit frustrated at not being able to find any big plays, but the Nikkei was doing well, so my returns were decent. I had a number of stocks in play, but those might or might not hit by the end of the year. I would make some money on gold and silver, but nothing like the previous years, as the spreads simply weren't as large.

"I have an idea," Tony said, coming into my office just after 4:00pm.

"Let's hear it."

"I ran across a lawsuit filed by Delta Data Systems Corporation against the FBI for improperly awarding a contract to a subsidiary of Burroughs. I'm no lawyer, but in reading their claims, I think they have a good shot at winning. It's an OTC stock trading around 1¾, and if they win, it has an upside of around 2¾."

"And if they lose?"

"The company fundamentals are good, so I don't see a price lower than around 1½."

"Is there enough float that a large OTC trade won't drive the price up?"

"You'd have to buy in small lots over time. The case won't be heard until July, and it usually takes a couple of months to publish the opinion."

"Write it up, but run the brief by Tim Liston in Legal so you have some backup."

"Going to pull the trigger right away?"

"No. We'd have to accumulate over time, and I need to think about how much I want to risk. Good find, even if it doesn't pan out. I like the creativity."

"Thanks! A friend of mine argues before the DC Circuit, and he says the judge in this case, some guy named Scalia, is pro-business and anti-government, so if the FBI didn't follow the rules, he'll nail them. I'll go see Tim now."

"OK."

He left, and I scribbled a note to research DDSC. I finished my day and headed home with Jack and Bianca. We had a nice dinner, which Juliette had prepared, and after dinner, I went up to my room so I could place a phone call.

"Hello?"

"Kayleigh?"

"Yes."

"This is Jonathan Kane. I was wondering if you'd like to meet for coffee on Monday. I believe you have the day off work the same as I do."

"I do. And yes! Absolutely! Where?"

"I live in Rogers Park, so pretty much anything is convenient. You choose."

"I live in Bridgeport. We could meet at Lou Mitchell's. Maybe for breakfast?"

There wasn't much difference between coffee and breakfast in my mind in terms of the limits I wanted to set.

"Breakfast it is! What time?"

"8:30am?"

"Sounds good to me."

"I'm really looking forward to it!" Kayleigh exclaimed.

"Then I'll see you there."

"Thanks for calling me! Bye!"

"Bye!"

I hung up, then went downstairs to spend time with my housemates before bed.

February 17, 1984, Oak Park, Illinois

"That dress is out of this world!" I said to Deanna when I picked her up at home for the drive to Oak Park.

"I thought you'd like it! And the tie is perfect!"

"How many artists are showing their work?"

"Nine, including me, in a mix of styles."

"I'm curious, why do you want to only offer abstract paintings for sale?"

"It's my personal style and what really moves me. I can do other stuff, but that often feels like work. It's like the paintings I need to do of you and Bianca, and you by yourself. I'll do them, but I'm not driven to do them. The drawing portfolio for Claire is similar, though I enjoy freehand drawing and like working with pastels. But I'm not inspired by the series of drawings the way I am the art I did for you, for example."

"Anala had to draw every bridge over the Chicago River for an architecture class, so it seems as if that's a thing."

"It is. There are actually artists who created a series of paintings of the same thing, only in different lighting or different seasons or whatever. I think I've mentioned those."

"You have."

"What do you think of modeling?"

"It's boring," I replied.

"It'll be a bit more interesting this coming week!"

I chuckled, "Yes, but weirdly, it's not about sex."

"If you figured that out, you're way ahead of the game compared to most people. David, Venus, and many other works that feature nudity are not about sex. What you're doing is kind of in between because it implies sex, but modeling isn't about sex, which was my point about it not being pornography.